IFK Värnamo vs BK Häcken Prediction: The visitors will win

The pressure is on for Varnamo to improve their form and secure positive results in their bid to avoid relegation. Facing a formidable opponent like Hacken, they will need to be at their best and show determination to come out with a positive outcome. As the match unfolds, fans can expect an intriguing battle on the pitch, as both teams fight for crucial points in the Swedish Allsvenskan. You'll find previews, possible starting 11, expert tips, and odds below.

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Varnamo are currently facing a tough battle against potential relegation, given their position near the bottom of the league table. Coach Kim Hellberg has a poor record in previous fixtures against their upcoming opponent, Hacken, having suffered losses in all previous meetings.

Last season, Varnamo narrowly avoided relegation by just six points, and this season, they find themselves in 12th place, with only three points separating them from the 14th-placed team, AIK. In their last match, Varnamo managed to secure a 2-2 draw against Halmstad, but it was a disappointing outcome for coach Kim Hellberg, as his team squandered a two-goal lead.

Gustav Engvall has been a shining star for Varnamo, displaying an impressive goal-scoring form with a brace before the half-hour mark in the last match. However, an own goal by Victor Eriksson and a late strike by Naeem Mohammed allowed Halmstad to equalize, leaving Varnamo hanging on nervously in the end. Despite securing a point, they might have considered themselves lucky to get anything from that match.

Back at their home ground, Varnamo's form has been underwhelming, as they are currently on a three-match losing streak and have managed only two wins in their last seven matches during the first half of the season.

In their upcoming match against Hacken, Varnamo will have to cope without the presence of center-back Victor Eriksson, who will be unavailable due to suspension after receiving his third yellow card of the season in the previous match. Brazilian Bernardo Villar is expected to step in as his replacement.

On the other hand, Hacken has been in fine form, and their strong away performances may pose a challenge for Varnamo. Head coach Jonas Thern could stick with a similar lineup, relying on 27-year-old striker Gustav Engvall as the main attacking threat, considering his recent goal-scoring prowess.

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Hacken's recent form has been impressive, as they secured a place in the second round of the Champions League qualification with an aggregate win over The New Saints. Their aim is to maintain their winning momentum in the Swedish Allsvenskan and keep up with league leaders Elfsborg.

Hacken recorded a convincing 4-2 victory over IF Brommapojkarna in their last league match, which helped them reclaim the second spot in the league standings. Additionally, they secured a crucial win in their Champions League qualifier against The New Saints. This series of positive results have put them just one point behind Elfsborg and one point ahead of Malmo, though they have played one more game than both of their title rivals.

While Hacken's away form has been strong, it has been slightly inconsistent compared to their home performances. They have earned 14 points from a possible 24 on the road, making them the third-best away team in the league. However, they have shown resilience recently with an unbeaten run in their last three away matches, winning two and drawing the other.

For the upcoming clash against Varnamo, Hacken may have the option of utilizing key center-back Johan Hammar, who will likely be available on the bench after returning to the squad for the Champions League qualifier. However, Amane Romeo's foot injury is still a concern, and he could be sidelined for a sixth consecutive official match. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Sadiq is expected to lead the forward line, as he has been in fine form, scoring in the last four matches across all competitions.

Varnamo - Filipp Voytekhovich, Victor Larsson, Bernardo Vilar, Emin Grozdanic, Freddy Winsth, Oscar Johansson, Wenderson, Albin Lohikangas, Albion Ademi, Ajdin Zeljkovic, Gustav Engvall.

BK Hacken - Peter Abrahamsson, Tomas Totland, Franklin Tebo, Even Hovland, Kristoffer Lund, Mikkel Rygaard, Samuel Gustafson, Simon Gustafson, Ibrahim Sadiq, Filip Trpcevski, Tobias Sana.

Hacken's current form with four consecutive wins in all competitions, suggests that they are in a strong position heading into the match against Varnamo. Additionally, Varnamo's historical record against Hacken, with losses in all five previous meetings, further favors Hacken's chances in this fixture. So Hacken will definitely take all the points here, scoring more than once.

• W2 for 1.70 odds
• Over 2.5 for 1.60 odds
• Total 2: Over 1.5 for 1.63 odds